Neck Guard

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a neck guard having an impact guarding insert. The neck guard has a body with a top with two tabs, a bottom, two ends, a front side, and a back side. A cavity is formed within the neck guard for containing the insert. The insert can be a removable insert that is selectably inserted and removed through an opening in the front side of the neck guard. The insert can also be permanently secured within the cavity. The insert can have a plurality of honeycomb shaped holes through it, and it is preferably made of a flexible and compressible material. The insert has tabs that can be aligned with and mate with tabs of the neck guard body. The body also has a bib at the bottom of the neck guard. The insert is also positioned through interfacing with the top of the bib.

This United States utility patent application claims priority on and the benefit of provisional application 63/179,874 filed Apr. 26, 2021, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a neck guard, and in one aspect of the present invention, a having an insert for impact protection.

2. Description of the Related Art

Hockey can be a dangerous sport. While injuries can occur anywhere on a player's body, one area of particular vulnerability is a player's neck.

U.S. Pat. Nos. D627,893 and D795,806 show neck laceration protectors. These devices are effective at preventing neck lacerations. However, their designs can be improved upon.

Hence, there is a need for an impact resistant neck guard that solves these and other problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a neck guard having an impact guarding insert. The neck guard has a body with a top with two tabs, a bottom, two ends, a front side, and a back side. A cavity is formed within the neck guard for containing the insert. The insert can be a removable insert that is selectably inserted and removed through an opening in the front side of the neck guard. The insert can also be permanently secured within the cavity. The insert can have a plurality of honeycomb shaped holes through it, and it is preferably made of a flexible and compressible material. The insert has tabs that can be aligned with and mate with tabs of the neck guard body. The body also has a bib at the bottom of the neck guard. The insert is also positioned through interfacing with the top of the bib.

According to one advantage of the present invention, the insert stays in place within the cavity. This is advantageous so that the insert stays where it is intended to provide protection in the desired portions around the user's neck. This can be accomplished by having a cavity base to prevent the insert from to the bottom of the bib. Also, the body tabs and insert tabs mate with each other, and the top portion of the bib sidewalls above the base and insert lower sides all combine to hold the insert in place within the cavity.

According to another advantage of the present invention, the body tabs at opposite ends of a neck valley that keep the neck guard in place, and hence the impact guard in place, about the user's neck.

According to a further advantage of the present invention, the insert is flexible and strong, yet able to absorb and disperse the force developed during an impact. In this regard, the insert be made of a gel material and can have many honeycomb shaped holes through it. The insert advantageously allows for compression (of the hole sidewalls) in order to absorb and disperse the forces generated during an impact.

Related, the insert is malleable and able to be bent and twisted to fit through a relatively small cavity opening. Having the insert be wider than the opening is long prevents the insert from unintentionally falling out of the opening.

The insert holes also advantageously allows air to flow through the insert. This is beneficial for breathability to allow moisture and heat to escape.

The insert still further advantageously allows the insert to move with the user, or more in particular, with the user's neck as the user moves and turns his or her head.

According to another advantage of the present invention, the insert is shaped to provide protection to vulnerable areas of the user including the throat and vulnerable blood vessels. This is accomplished by the having the flat narrow bottom be held lowest within the cavity over the throat. Additionally, the lower sides of the insert provide comfort and clearance at the neck and shoulder interface. Further yet, the tabs vertically extend to cover the vulnerable blood vessels. The insert is tall enough to cover the desired areas of a user's neck and also has a perimeter shape that is not uncomfortable or interfering with the user's movements.

According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, the insert can be a removable insert. In a preferred embodiment, the body has an access hole to the cavity that is centrally located on the front of the neck guard body. Access via the front allows the neck guard back to be smooth and comfortable, which prevents neck irritation that may occur of the flap covering the hole was worn against the user's neck. Further, access via the front allows for easy access to the cavity even when the neck guard is being worn.

According to a still further advantage of the present invention, the front cavity opening can be covered with a flap to secure the insert within the cavity.

Other advantages, benefits, and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the invention and studying the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective exploded view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a close-up partial front view showing a flap open to expose an opening.

FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5, but shows removal of an insert.

FIG. 7 is an isolation front view of a large size insert.

FIG. 8 is an isolation rear view of the insert shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the neck guard of FIG. 1 in use around a user's neck.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a small size neck guard.

FIG. 11 is an isolation front view of a small size insert.

FIG. 12 is an isolation rear view of the insert shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention with a sealed cavity.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing a preferred method of using a neck guard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the invention will be described in connection with one or more preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

The present invention relates to a neck guard 20 that can be selectably worn around the neck 10 of a person 5 while they engage in a sport such as ice hockey. It is appreciated that the use of the invention is not limited to use while playing ice hockey. The user 10 has several areas of particular vulnerability, including the throat 11 and blood vessels 12 (such as the jugular vein and carotid artery).

The neck guard 20 has a body 30 as seen in FIGS. 1-3. The body 30 has a top 31, a bottom 32, a first end 33, a second end 34, a back 35 and a front 36. The overall width between ends is preferably sufficient to accommodate a person with a neck circumference of between 12 and 17 inches. Other sizes can be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The body 30 has an outer perimeter, and two tabs 40 and 45 project upwards along the top perimeter A neck valley 50 is provided with a lower height between the tabs 40 and 45. A bib 55 is provided and is at the bottom 32 of the neck guard 20. The bib 55 is preferably centrally located upon the body 30. Bib 55 has a first side 56 with an upper end 57 and a second side 58 with an upper end 59. The upper ends 57 and 59 are in an upper portion of the bib. The tabs 40 and 45 are spaced apart preferably an equal distance from the midline of the body between ends 33 and 34. Fastener pieces 55 and 56 are preferably on ends 33 and 34, respectively. The fastener pieces 55 and 56 form a fastener. The fastener is preferably made of pieces of hook and loop fabric. This allows the overall perimeter size of the fastened neck guard to be tailored for the size and comfort of the user. It is appreciated that other fasteners including but not limited to snaps, buckles, zippers, and buttons could be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention.

The body 30 is preferably comprised of several layers. Each of the layers preferably has the same or similar outer perimeter shape, wherein the layers can be fixed about their respective perimeters. One preferred method of connecting the layers is sewing. Other methods could be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention.

One layer is a back layer 65. The back layer is preferably made of a blended polyester and spandex material.

An anti-laceration layer 70 is also provided. Layer 70 is made of a cut resistant material, preferably a cut-resistant fabric material that is thin and flexible. Two rubber pieces are preferably connected to layer 70 in the tab areas of the body to aid in keeping the shape of the body tabs.

A front layer 80 is also provided. The front layer 80 is preferably made of a blended polyester and spandex material. The front 80 has a flap 81 that covers an opening 85 through the front layer 80. The opening is preferably linear in shape and is preferably located at a top portion of the body bib 50. The opening is preferably located equidistant between ends 33 and 34 of the body 30. Fastener pieces 90 and 91 are preferably located on the inside of the flap 81 and the outer side of layer 80, respectively. The fastener pieces 90 and 91 form a fastener. The fastener is preferably made of pieces of hook and loop fabric. The fastener holds the flap 81 in a fastened position over the opening 85 and prevents access to the opening 85. It is appreciated that other fasteners including but not limited to snaps, buckles, zippers, and buttons could be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention.

The anti-laceration layer 70 is preferably located between the back layer 65 and front layer 80.

The three layers are preferably fixed to each other at their respective outer perimeters. The opening 85 allows access to a cavity 100 within the body 30 between layers 70 and 80. Further, fastener piece 90 connected directly to layer 80 is preferably sewn and preferably is sewn to all layers. This creates a base 101 within the cavity 100. The upper portion of the bib 55, including the upper end 57 of side 56 of bib 55, and the upper end 59 of side 58 of bib 55, are preferably above the base 101.

Turning now to FIGS. 7 and 8, it is seen that an insert 110 is provided. The impact guard insert 110 has a top 111, a bottom 112, a first lower side 113, a first upper side 114, a second lower side 115, a second upper side 116, a front 117 and a back 118. The insert 110 is preferably symmetrical about a center vertical axis that passes through the center of the bottom 112 and the center of the top 111. The first lower side 113 and second lower side 115 are preferably curved outwards from the center of the insert as the sides rise from the bottom 112. The first upper side 114 and second upper side 116 are also preferably curved, and are preferably curved inwards towards the center of the insert as the sides approach the top 111.

There are preferably many holes 120, each preferably with a hexagon perimeter 121, formed through the insert 110 between the front 117 and back 118. The hexagon shape, or honeycomb shape, allows air to pass through while retaining strength. It is appreciated that other shapes could be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention.

Two tabs 130 and 135 are provided. Tab 130 is formed by an end of the top 111 and the top of the first upper side 114. Tab 135 is formed by the other end of the top 111 and the top of the second upper side 114. A neck valley 140 is preferably located between the tabs 130 and 135 on the top.

The insert 110 is between the anti-laceration layer 70 and front layer 80, as seen in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 shows the fastener part 91 separated from part 90 to reveal the opening 85 into the cavity 110. The insert 110 is shown being passed through the opening 85 in FIG. 6.

As seen in FIG. 2, the insert 110 is centered within the cavity 100 due to the interactions of the insert and cavity. Specifically, the first insert tab 130 interfaces with the first body tab 40 and the second insert tab 135 interfaces with the second body tab 45 to position said insert 110 within said cavity 100. Further, the first lower side 113 and the second lower side 115 interface with an upper portion of said bib 55 (both side upper ends 57 and 59) above the base 101. The bottom 112 of the impact guard 110 is bound laterally between the upper portions 57 and 59 of respective sides 56 and 58 of the bib 55.

Turning now to FIG. 9, it is seen how the neck guard 20 fits around the user's neck. The bib 55 depends down upon the front of the neck. Further, the tabs 40 and 45 extend up towards the user's ears. The neck guard 20 protects vulnerable portions of the user's neck, including the throat 11 and vulnerable blood vessels 12.

Looking now to FIGS. 10-12, it is seen that a smaller size version of the neck guard 220 is illustrated. The neck guard 220 is very similar to neck guard 20, and has a body 230 and a removable insert 240. The body 230 and insert 240 have dimensions to accommodate smaller neck sizes. For example, the guard 220 could fit necks having a 8.5 to 12.5 inch circumference. Yet, it could be larger or smaller without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. Neck guard 220 is operationally the same as neck guard 20 and is substantially the same shape as neck guard 20.

Looking now to FIGS. 13 and 14, it is seen that a neck guard 320 with a body 330 and an insert 370 is provided. The body 320 has three layers, a back layer 340, an anti-laceration layer 350 and a front layer 360. There is a cavity formed between the anti-laceration layer 350 and the front layer 360. The neck guard 320 differs from neck guard 20 in that neck guard 320 has a sealed cavity (i.e. no opening into the cavity for insertion and removal of the insert).

Turning now to FIG. 15, it is seen that a flow chart is provided showing steps S400, S410, S420 and S430 of using a neck guard. Step S400 is providing a body having a first end, a second end, a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, and a cavity. Step S410 is providing an opening into said cavity on the front of the body, wherein the cavity be selectably accessible via the opening. Step S420 is providing an insert. Step S430 is selectably inserting the insert into the cavity via the opening.

The method can be and refined.

For example, the step of providing the opening into said cavity further can comprise the step of proving an opening centered on the front of the body.

For further example, the step of proving a body further can comprise the step of providing a bib, a first body tab and a second body tab, said cavity having an interior portion including said first body tab and said second body tab, said cavity having a base in an upper portion of said bib, said bib having a first side upper end and a second side upper end; the step of providing the insert can comprise providing an insert with a first insert tab, a second insert tab, a first lower side and a second lower side; and the step of selectably inserting the insert into the cavity can comprise the step of having the first insert tab interface with the first body tab and the second insert tab interface with the second body tab to position the insert within the cavity and having the first lower side and the second lower side be bound by said first side upper end and said second side upper end above the base.

For a further example, the step of providing a body further can comprise the step of providing an anti-laceration layer that forms a rear wall of the cavity; and the step of providing an insert can comprise the step of providing an insert with a width; and the step of providing an opening can comprise the step of providing an opening with a length, the length of the opening being shorter than the width of the insert.

For a further example, the step of providing an insert can comprise the step of providing an insert with a plurality of hexagon-shaped holes form therethrough between an insert front and an insert back.

Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the invention, a neck guard fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages as set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. 

I claim:
 1. A neck guard comprising: a body with: a first end, a second end, a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, a bib, a cavity, a first body tab and a second body tab, said cavity having an interior portion including said first body tab and said second body tab, said bib having a first side upper end and a second side upper end; and an insert having a first insert tab, and a second insert tab, a first lower side and a second lower side, wherein: said first insert tab interfaces with said first body tab and said second insert tab interfaces with said second body tab to position said insert within said cavity, and said first lower side and said second lower side are bound by said first side upper end and said second side upper end.
 2. The neck guard of claim 1 wherein said cavity has a base in an upper portion of said bib.
 3. The neck guard of claim 1 wherein said insert is selectably removable from said body through an opening.
 4. The neck guard of claim 3 wherein said opening is through said front of said body.
 5. The neck guard of claim 4 wherein said opening is centered on said front and is located in upper portion of said bib.
 6. The neck guard of claim 4 wherein said opening is selectably closed with a flap.
 7. The neck guard of claim 1, wherein: said insert has a width, said opening has a length, and said width of said insert is greater than said length of said opening.
 8. The neck guard of claim 1 wherein said insert has a plurality of hexagon-shaped holes form therethrough between an insert front and an insert back.
 9. The neck guard of claim 1 further comprising an anti-laceration layer, said anti-laceration layer being located on an inside of said body.
 10. A neck guard comprising: a body with a first end, a second end, a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, and a cavity; and an insert, said insert being removably receivable within said cavity through an opening through said front of said body.
 11. The neck guard of claim 10, wherein said opening is centered on said front of said body.
 12. The neck guard of claim 10, wherein said opening is selectably covered with a flap.
 13. The neck guard of claim 10, wherein: said body has a bib, a first body tab and a second body tab, said cavity having an interior portion including said first body tab and said second body tab, said cavity having a base in an upper portion of said bib, said bib having a first side upper end and a second side upper end; said insert has a first insert tab, a second insert tab, a first lower side and a second lower side; said first insert tab interfaces with said first body tab and said second insert tab interfaces with said second body tab to position said insert within said cavity; and said first lower side and said second lower side are bound by said first side upper end and said second side upper end above said base.
 14. The neck guard of claim 10, wherein: said body has an anti-laceration layer; said anti-laceration layer forms a rear wall of said cavity; said insert has a width, said opening has a length, and said width of said insert is greater than said length of said opening.
 15. The neck guard of claim 10 wherein said insert has a plurality of hexagon-shaped holes form therethrough between an insert front and an insert back.
 16. A method of using a neck guard, the method comprising the steps: providing a body having a first end, a second end, a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, and a cavity; providing an opening into said cavity on the front of the body, wherein the cavity be selectably accessible via the opening; providing an insert; and selectably inserting the insert into the cavity via the opening.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of providing the opening into said cavity further comprises the step of proving an opening centered on the front of the body.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein: the step of proving a body further comprises the step of providing a bib, a first body tab and a second body tab, said cavity having an interior portion including said first body tab and said second body tab, said cavity having a base in an upper portion of said bib, said bib having a first side upper end and a second side upper end; the step of providing the insert comprises providing an insert with a first insert tab, a second insert tab, a first lower side and a second lower side; and the step of selectably inserting the insert into the cavity further comprises the step of having the first insert tab interface with the first body tab and the second insert tab interface with the second body tab to position the insert within the cavity and having the first lower side and the second lower side be bound by said first side upper end and said second side upper end above the base.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein: the step of providing a body further comprises the step of providing an anti-laceration layer that forms a rear wall of the cavity; the step of providing an insert further comprises the step of providing an insert with a width; the step of providing an opening further comprises the step of providing an opening with a length, the length of the opening being shorter than the width of the insert.
 20. The method of claim 16 wherein the step of providing an insert further comprises the step of providing an insert with a plurality of hexagon-shaped holes form therethrough between an insert front and an insert back. 